As you explore all you can create and print with your Glowforge, you’ll likely find there are times when you want to create a design with third-party design software (such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, or similar) or purchase a pre-made design from another maker.

In order to print those designs, you’ll download them from their initial location, and then upload them to your Dashboard at app.glowforge.com. Here’s how.

Download the design from its original location

For our example, you’ll create a handsome and useful pencil case.

Download and save the Pencil Case Design. (To download the design, click Download, Save as, or similar in your PDF viewer.)

a hand holding a completed, laser cut wooden pencil case

If you have already purchased a design or created one using design software, just make sure it is saved to your desktop.

Prepare and create your print

Sign In.
Go to https://app.glowforge.com and sign in.
Place the material you want to use on the printer bed of your Glowforge.
For best results, we recommend Proofgrade plywood. Make sure the QR code is whole and visible. (If it’s not, you can select the material manually after you upload your file. To do that, click Unknown at the top left of the screen, and then select your material from the list.)
Upload the design.
On the Dashboard, click Create a New Design, then click Upload a File and then select the pencil case design from where you saved it. Your design will open in the workspace. The design will appear as separate print steps on the left of the workspace.
Place your design.
Drag your whole design to place it where you want it on your material.
Note: To make sure that assembling the box works, don’t resize the pencil box.
Print!
When you are satisfied with the placement of your design, click Print in the app, and then when the button on your Glowforge button starts glowing, press it and watch it print.

Now it’s time to put the pencil case together.

Assemble the pencil case

Just follow these steps, and you'll have a handy place for your pens and pencils in no time.

Skills: None required
Assembly time: 5 minutes
Supples: Optional: Glue
Tools: No tools required
Material: Medium Plywood (approx ⅛ in, 1 sheet)

Step 1: Gather and identify your pieces

Laser cut parts for a wooden pencil case, labeled A through D

Step 2: Assemble the end pieces

Firmly push both parts A into the end slots of part B as indicated.

Two hands connecting wooden laser cut parts labeled A & B

Step 3: Assemble the sides and lid

Insert the tab on part D into the hole in part C.

Two hands connecting wooden laser cut parts labeled D & C

Step 4: Put it all together

While holding the assembly, insert the other tab on part D into the hole on the other part C.

Join the two assemblies together by sliding the slots of both assemblies together as indicated and sliding the tabs into the holes firmly.

Two hands connecting wooden laser cut parts. The tab on part D is going into the hole on part C

Gather your pens and pencils together and enjoy!

a hand holding a completed, laser cut wooden pencil case

Print a Design You’ve Uploaded

Download the design from its original location

Prepare and create your print